It's Louisiana on Tap At Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon

New Orleans, Louisiana (September 22, 2014) -The Royal Sonesta is brewing up a good time for October's Round Table Luncheon! The event will celebrate the burgeoning craft beer industry in Louisiana as we imbibe and indulge in some of the best beers that the region has to offer. In honor of Oktoberfest, we're opening the taps and letting the good times flow as we get the scoop on the area's vibrant brewery scene.

The luncheon will take place on Thursday October 16th at 12 Noon. Hosted by social columnist Margarita Bergen, the Round Table features exciting guest speakers, lively entertainment, delicious cuisine, and of course a chance to sample some of this season's finest brews, darlings. Grab your friends and co-workers and plan to attend the upcoming luncheon presented in the hotel's elegant Fleur de Lis Suite.

We'll hear from beer expert and writer Nora McGunnigle who will share her extensive knowledge about Louisiana's craft beer scene. McGunnigle specializes in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast region. Her work has appeared in an impressive array of local, regional, and national publications.

CEO and founder of NOLA Brewing Company, Kirk Coco, will speak about the role he's had in bringing craft brewing back to the city in post-Katrina New Orleans. Coco has been an integral part of the resurgence of local brewing and has tied both the company's brand and its beers to the unique character and distinct resilience of the city.

Karlos Knott, President and Co-founder of Bayou Teche Brewing Company, will take us inside his experience of founding a brewery that not only crafts some of the best beers in Louisiana, but also utilizes its product to preserve and celebrate the distinct culture, language, music, and cuisine of Acadiana where he was raised.

Entertainment will be provided by the Jefferson Performing Arts Society featuring vocalists Jennifer DeLatte, Kat Abreo Mendelson, and Micah Desonier. The trio will perform selections from the upcoming Pasta and Puccini Gala and will be accompanied byDr. Donna Clavijoon piano.

As a special musical treat, guests will enjoy a performance by Grammy artistLouis Michot. A gifted fiddler for the Cajun rock band Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot has traveled the country and the world extensively spreading Cajun music. Michot's performance underscores our celebration of Louisiana's unique approach to this Oktoberfest celebration.

Executive Chef Kevin Goodwin and his expert culinary team have prepared an Oktoberfest four-course menu just for the occasion. NOLA Brewing Company andBayou Teche Brewing have selected beer pairings to compliment each course. The meal begins with a German Style Beer Cheese Soup featuring Bayou Teche Biere Pale with Jarlsberg Cheese and Garlic Croutons. Next, guests will enjoy a salad of Hogs Head Cheese and Baby Greens with White Wine Vinegar and Sour Cream Dressing. The main course will be a lovely duet of Bay Snapper Schnitzel in a Lemon Caper Butter Sauce and Duck Confit with Currants and an Alps Blueberry Glaze, served with Crisp Buttered Spaetzle and Port Wine Pickled Red Cabbage. For a sweet finish, guests will enjoy Hopitoulas Chocolate Hops Cake with Plum Ice Cream for dessert.

It's worth noting that the site of the Royal Sonesta New Orleans was once home to theAmerican Brewing Company, makers of the popular Regal Beer, from 1890 until 1962. After Prohibition, the American Brewing Company was unique in its ability to recover and prosper as a local brewery. October's Round Table is a nod to the hotel's history and a celebration of the similar post-Katrina comeback that the craft brewing industry has enjoyed in recent years. We'll be raising our glasses to the future of the brew masters in this region!

Remember, October is also the month of Halloween! We'd be remiss if we didn't salute the season in a distinctly New Orleans fashion, so help us celebrate by donning your favorite Halloween accessories to further enhance the flavor of this Round Table

The Royal Sonesta's Round Table Luncheon is $50 inclusive with advance reservations or $55 at the door. Parking is complimentary in the hotel's parking garage. For reservations, please contact Noel Scallan at 504-553-2220 or email her at nscallan@sonesta.com.

The 500-room Royal Sonesta is just steps away from some of the finest antique shops, art galleries and visitor attractions in New Orleans. Selected as one of the top three 'Best Hotels in New Orleans' by U.S. News & World Reports, the Royal Sonesta provides visitors with an authentic New Orleans experience. Centrally located in the heart of the historic French Quarter, the Royal Sonesta is home to Restaurant R'evolution, Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, Desire Bistro and Oyster Bar, and PJ's Coffee Cafe. For more information on the Royal Sonesta, please call 504-586-0300 or visit www.sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SonestaNewOrleans and follow us on Twitter @RoyalSonestanoh.